Family Road Trip Guide: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has been called the “Hamptons of Chicago.” With its charming resorts, three area lakes, historic mansions and walkable downtown dotted with restaurants, shops and attractions, it’s an all-seasons getaway. Embrace the cold in the first few months of the year by visiting for Winterfest, Ice Castles, skiing, snow tubing and an Abominable Snow Race. Then warm up with a magic show, igloo dining or other memorable activities.

In the summer, enjoy boating, swimming at the beach and a drive-through safari. Venetian Fest in August is fun with a capital F. Lake Geneva comes alive with fireworks, a carnival and water ski show. Any time you visit, it’s sure to be a relaxing retreat with plenty of diversions to keep all family members satisfied.

Getting to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

About 370 miles from the Detroit/Ann Arbor area, expect a six-hour drive to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Take I-94W around the bottom of Lake Michigan, then WI-50 to Lake Geneva.

What families love about Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Winterfest runs Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2024, and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship is the highlight. See teams from around the country create impressive sculptures out of snow and ice around Geneva Lake. Bonfires on the beach with hot cocoa and s’mores and a children’s snow sculpture garden and snow zone make for frosty fun.

An ice sculptor creates during Lake Geneva’s Winterfest. Photo credit: VisitLakeGeneva.com

View 40-plus ice sculptures around downtown on an ice sculpture walk.

Visit the Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa on Feb. 3 for the annual Winter Carnival. Events like human bowling start at 11 a.m. and the day ends with a fireworks finale. You can ski, snowboard, ice skate and sled at this beautiful resort all winter long.

Make sure to book tickets to the new Winter Realms, formerly known as Ice Castles, which opens in January 2024. It has favorite winter activities, including sleigh rides, lights, an ice volcano, igloos, tubing activities, mesmerizing ice sculptures and ice slides. Note: It doesn’t have a castle in 2024.

Ice Castles in Lake Geneva. Photo credit: VisitLakeGeneva.com

The Abominable Snow Race is Jan. 27, but you need to sign up in advance for this icy obstacle competition at Lake Geneva Zipline & Adventure Park. Kids as young as age 4 can take on the challenge. Go with all your gusto to compete for cash and prizes or just chill out and run for fun.

Other snow-season activities include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, fat tire biking and hiking. Rent snowshoes or skis from Clear Water Outdoor and enjoy the hushed exhilaration of traversing across Big Foot Beach State Park in the cold.

Wilmot Mountain is about a 30-minute drive for those who want to snow tube, ski and snowboard some more. Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures is open in the winter and also offers fat tire biking in the snow.

Indoor fun includes watching impressive illusions and tricks at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre or equestrian artistry at The Dancing Horses Theater, and shopping at the adorable Allison Wonderland toy store downtown.

Where to stay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is the grand dame of Lake Geneva. The AAA Four Diamond resort has racked up numerous accolades for its range of accommodations from luxe villas to resort rooms and suites. The bountiful brunches, indoor pool and Adventure Center make for a fabulous visit.

Stay at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark for giant heated water slides, hot tubs, and a lazy river in the warm indoor water park. On-site restaurants, an arcade and suites with kitchens make it super family friendly.

Lake Lawn Resort on nearby Delavan Lake is an exceptional lakeside getaway on two miles of scenic shoreline. The snowy season offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating while summer shines with outdoor swimming and boating. Nightly bonfires, a heated indoor pool and hot tub keep you cozy. Kids can watch movies, play board games, ping pong and foosball or make crafts at Bucky’s Playhouse. Test your luck at the arcade. Parents can escape to Calladora Spa for a HydraFacial or PURE FIJI body treatment to truly pamper themselves.

Where to eat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

I simply adore healthy, homemade Simple Café. Treat yourself to the artisan baked goods or take some home from the attached market.

Photo credit: Cortney Fries

Oakfire Pizza is exceptional for its wood-fired pizzas, salads and views of the lake. Kids get a kick out of the Mickey-shaped pizza served with fruit.

For a special meal, head to the Geneva Chophouse. Savor steaks, seafood, chops, wine and cocktails in an upscale ambiance. There’s even a young adult’s menu for those who appreciate shrimp, filet or mac ‘n cheese.

Pier 290 is a fun lakeside restaurant with igloos and live music.

1878 on the Lake recently opened at Lake Lawn Resort, serving up fancy Midwestern fare and panoramic lakeside views.

The Lookout Bar & Eatery is a nice choice, especially for dining on the outdoor patio in summer. My teenage son tried to tackle the Ball Park Jumbo Pretzel and could not take it all down. I enjoyed a lovely salmon dish on a bed of asparagus and mashed potatoes.

Ball Park Jumbo Pretzel. Photo credit: Cortney Fries

Strolling downtown Lake Geneva, you’ll definitely want to sample your way through all the tasty treats. Stop at Kilwins for fudge and Scoops for ice cream. There’s a froyo place, bakeries and plenty of other options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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2024 Housing Trends: Lower Rates, Lower Rents, More Affordability

Attention, home buyers, homeowners and renters: 2024 might treat you more kindly than 2023 did.

The housing market was downright hostile in 2023. The 30-year mortgage rate rose from about 6% in February to 8% in October. The median home price peaked above $400,000. Home affordability plunged.

2024 will bring lower mortgage rates, forecasters predict. If they’re right, home buyers will gain purchasing power. “It’ll be nice to move past the point where we’re not setting new records for unaffordability,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com.

If optimistic forecasts are accurate, more homeowners might list their homes for sale in 2024, even if it means giving up their low mortgage rates. And renters might get some relief too.

Here are mortgage and housing trends to watch for in 2024.

Mortgage rates should trend a little lower

Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors all predict that the 30-year mortgage rate will fall to below 7% in the second half of 2024.

Daryl Fairweather, chief economist for Redfin, agrees that rates will fall, but she cautions that the decline won’t be smooth. “I think there will be swings,” she says. “And the swings will be large, both up and down. But the trend will be, on average, down.”

A couple of things to keep in mind. First, the three organizations failed to forecast the rise in mortgage rates in 2023. Second, even if they’re correct about rates falling in 2024, they still predict that the 30-year mortgage will end the year above 6%. They’re not saying that rates will fall to the sub-4% levels seen from 2019 and into 2022.

“I think the era of very low interest rates was just like a once-in-a-generation thing to happen,” says Dave Liniger, who co-founded Re/Max Holdings, a real estate franchiser, two generations ago in 1973. “And I just don’t see it going back.”

But home prices won’t fall much, if at all

If you hope for plunging prices, you’re probably not going to get your wish in 2024.

If prices fall — and that’s a big “if” — they won’t decline much, because the market has reached a persistent equilibrium: Few homes were on the market toward the end of 2023, and buyers were deterred by high interest rates. The standoff is likely to continue. Home prices won’t fall until buyers are outnumbered by sellers.

“We just have very, very few sellers,” said Mike Simonsen, president of real estate analytics firm Altos Research, in a video presentation on Oct. 23. “Declining home prices probably require that supply-and-demand imbalance, and what we have is really a balance. There’s a balance between low demand and low supply.”

If lower rates revive demand, won’t that drive prices higher? Economic theory says yes. But human behavior is more complex than economic theory.

“In general, you would expect that if mortgage rates fall, it creates more affordability and that should kind of boost housing demand, which might then push prices back up,” Hale says. “I don’t expect that we’re going to see that trend in 2024.”

Why not? Affordability, Hale says. Buyers’ finances are already stretched to the limit, so there won’t be much room for home prices to rise, even if mortgage rates fall.

More new construction of single-family homes

Until more houses hit the market, prices don’t have much room to move down.

Help is on the way. Builders are applying for more permits to construct single-family houses. They sought 968,000 permits in October at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, the most since May 2022. When those houses are completed, they’ll add to the total housing supply.

And it’s about time for more single-family houses to get built, says Erin Sykes, chief economist for Nest Seekers International, a multinational real estate brokerage. “We’ve had this ongoing conversation about the shortage of housing, which is true, generally speaking,” she says, “but it’s actually a shortage with more of an asterisk. We have an oversupply of multifamily and a shortage of single-family.”

Renters might get a break

Rents skyrocketed starting in 2021, prompting developers to build apartments. As those units are completed, rents are going down a tiny bit, according to Realtor.com’s monthly rental report.

The median asking rent of $1,747 in September was $5 less than in August, and $29 less than the peak in July 2022, according to the report co-written by Jiayi Xu and Hale. Rents are going down because of an apartment construction spree. In the first 10 months of 2023, builders had completed 361,000 multifamily units, a 24% increase over the same period a year earlier.

And there’s more where that’s coming from: More than 980,000 multifamily units were under construction in October. The vast majority are apartments, and many of them will be ready for occupancy by the end of 2024. “That is going to help bring rents to a slightly more affordable place,” Hale says.

Rate lock-in may begin to ease

For every 20 homes that were for sale at the end of October 2019, just 13 were for sale in October 2023. This decline is blamed on a phenomenon called rate lock-in.

Rate lock-in occurred as people bought homes, or refinanced their mortgages, when mortgage rates were low — often below 4% — in 2020 and 2021. Those homeowners are reluctant to sell their homes and give up those low rates. They are locked in.

Economists believe two factors — time and falling rates — are the keys. “As mortgage rates come down, as homeowners build equity, I think we’ll start to see the lock-in effect abate,” Hale says. More people will list their homes for sale, giving buyers more houses to choose from and relieving some of the upward pressure on prices. This will be a multi-year process.

Lawsuits could change how agents are paid

Class-action lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors and some real estate brokerages could shake up the way real estate agents are paid, potentially leading to significant changes in the way homes are bought and sold.

On Oct. 31, a federal jury in Kansas City, Missouri, decided that the NAR had imposed anticompetitive rules that required home sellers to pay nonnegotiable, excessive commissions to buyer’s agents. The jury assessed damages of close to $1.8 billion against NAR and two co-defendant brokerages; the NAR has said it will appeal. (Two brokerages settled before trial for a combined total of $138.5 million in damages.)

Meanwhile, a similar antitrust case is expected to begin in a federal court in Illinois in 2024, and other class-action suits have been filed in other states. Home sellers, buyers and real estate agents might end up conducting transactions differently, depending on how these cases are decided in 2024 and beyond.

There’s much uncertainty about 2024, including the outcomes of those lawsuits. But all in all, the outlook is for an improvement over 2023.

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Michigan Among Top 15 States with the Most Dangerous Winter Roads: Here’s Some Tips on Staying Safe

The number of fatalities caused by winter auto accidents increased slightly from 374 to 395 from 2020 to 2021. Winter driving continues to be hazardous — especially if you live in one of the states below.

To underscore the importance of safe driving this winter, MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2019 to 2021 — the most recent data available — and ranked the most dangerous states for winter driving. We also explored steps drivers can take to prepare for winter weather and stay safe on the road.

The ranking incorporated total fatalities in winter driving conditions, the fatality rate adjusted for vehicle miles traveled in the state, and the state’s score on our ranking of the states with the safest drivers.

We found that when road conditions included sleet, snow, blowing snow, or freezing drizzle, Michigan ranked as the worst state for winter driving overall, while Alaska had the highest winter driving fatality rate.

MoneyGeek

Key findings

• On average, 403 drivers die per year on snowy or icy roads.
• Michigan is the most dangerous state for winter driving, with an average of 39 deaths on the roads every winter. The next most hazardous states for winter driving are Alaska, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
• Alaska had the highest winter driving fatality rate per billion vehicle miles traveled of any state (1.65), followed by Wyoming (1.00), Vermont (0.75) and Montana (0.73).

MoneyGeek

Most dangerous states for winter driving

While most of us can’t avoid driving in icy and snowy conditions every winter, some states are more dangerous than others.

Our top 15 list doesn’t include some surprising states that experience significant winter weather, like Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Winter driving safety-first measures that could save your life

There are life-saving measures you can take to prepare your vehicle for changing road conditions before the sleet, ice and snow hit your area.

Get a checkup

The worst time for your car to break down is in freezing temperatures, so it’s essential to get your car serviced to check for leaks, worn hoses, and other maintenance items. Your brakes, defroster, heater, and lights should all be working correctly.

Reassess your battery

Battery power drops with the temperature. You want to make sure your battery has enough voltage, amperage, and reserve capacity to start on those cold mornings. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it.

Verify your auto insurance

Ensure that you have the best auto insurance policy to protect you in the event of a weather-related incident. Even if you’re driving responsibly, some accidents are unavoidable if you and another car collide in icy conditions. Call your insurance provider or verify your plan online to double-check your winter weather coverage. Consider comparing car insurance quotes from several providers if you’re in a high-risk winter driving state and your coverage is inadequate.

Top off your windshield wiper fluid

Snowstorms can drain your windshield wiper fluid quickly. Top off your washer reservoir before the first snow hits, and then keep refilling it throughout the season. Late fall is an excellent time to check if those wipers need a replacement.

Look down

Have you checked your floor mats in a while? Are they still in the right place and clear of debris? If not, it’s time to clean up and re-secure them. Improperly installed floor mats can get in your way and prevent you from hitting the gas or brake properly.

Fill up

If you’re always pushing it to the last mile before filling up your gas tank, winter is the time to change that habit. First of all, you don’t want to be stranded in the cold. Secondly, you won’t get as far on that last gallon of gas. According to the Department of Energy, in short-trip city driving, a conventional gasoline car’s gas mileage is about 15% lower at 20 degrees Fahrenheit than it would be at 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tread heavy

You should check your tire tread regularly, but in slick conditions, it’s critical. The minimum tread for any road condition is 2/32 of an inch. In winter driving, the more tread, the better. Tire pressure also changes with colder temperatures, so check your owner’s manual to find the correct pressure for your vehicle and add air if needed.

Essential items to keep in your car

Like a good Scout, it’s a good idea to adopt the motto “be prepared” when it comes to winter driving. Keeping emergency supplies in your trunk is a key part of practicing travel safety. Keep the following items in your trunk in case of emergency:

• Spare tire
• Chains
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Jumper cables
• Sand or kitty litter
• Flashlight
• Blanket
• Water
• Food/snacks
• Cell phone charger
• Medications

Before you leave for a ski vacation or a trip to Grandma’s house, you should plan your travel, checking the weather and road conditions as well as your route. Always give yourself extra time to drive slower.

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure they’re safely buckled in a car seat. While you may want to keep them bundled up in their winter coat, this can interfere with the fit. Consider removing your child’s thick outerwear, buckle them up, and then place blankets or coats over the secure harness.

Methodology

To determine which states are most dangerous for winter driving, MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for 2019–2021.

Using FARS data, we calculated each state’s winter driving fatality rate adjusted for vehicle miles traveled, as well as the total winter fatalities in each state. We also utilized the results of a MoneyGeek analysis of the states with the best and worst drivers.

To calculate each state’s Winter Driving Score, we weighted the factors mentioned above. Total Winter Driving Fatalities was given double weight, Winter Driving Fatality Rate was given full weight and Safe Driver Score was given half weight.

Full data set

The data points presented are defined as follows:

• 2023 Rank: The state’s winter driving rank for MoneyGeek’s 2023 study based on its “Final Winter Danger Score,” with a lower rank indicating more dangerous winter driving conditions.
• 2022 Rank: The state’s winter driving rank for MoneyGeek’s 2022 study based on its “Final Winter Danger Score,” with a lower rank indicating more dangerous winter driving conditions.
• Final Winter Danger Score: Total Winter Driving Fatalities, Winter Driving Fatality Rate and Safe Driver Score were each converted to a 100-point scale and weighted. We based the final ranking of states on that score.
• Total Winter Driving Fatalities (2019–2021): Driving fatalities reported by the NHTSA where road conditions included sleet, snow, blowing snow or freezing drizzle for the most recent three years of data 2019–2021. This metric is given double weight in the calculation of the final winter danger score.
• Winter Driving Fatality Rate: The rate of winter driving fatalities per billion vehicular miles traveled. This metric is given full weight in the ranking.
• Safe Driver Score: The final score calculated by MoneyGeek in its rating of the states with the safest and worst drivers. For this analysis, the scores have been scaled to range from 0 to 100, with 100 being the safest. This metric is given half weight.

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Cities with the Fastest-Growing Home Prices in Metro Detroit

The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties.

The typical home value in the United States was $347,972 in October, 2.3% higher than the year before.

Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, with prices even declining in some places. But some areas are still seeing price jumps compared to the year before.

Stacker compiled a list of cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area using data from Zillow. Cities are ranked by their one-year price change as of October 2023.

Stacker

#30. North Branch, MI

– 1-year price change: +$12,928 (+5.6%)
– 5-year price change: +$88,581 (+56.5%)
– Typical home value: $245,303 (#94 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#29. Columbiaville, MI

– 1-year price change: +$13,003 (+5.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$83,905 (+55.6%)
– Typical home value: $234,900 (#102 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#28. Royal Oak, MI

– 1-year price change: +$13,234 (+4.6%)
– 5-year price change: +$69,532 (+29.8%)
– Typical home value: $302,682 (#64 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#27. Canton, MI

– 1-year price change: +$13,481 (+3.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$96,593 (+36.2%)
– Typical home value: $363,273 (#40 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#26. Saint Clair Shores, MI

– 1-year price change: +$13,723 (+7.0%)
– 5-year price change: +$66,588 (+46.1%)
– Typical home value: $211,168 (#115 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#25. Novi, MI

– 1-year price change: +$14,143 (+3.4%)
– 5-year price change: +$103,813 (+32.3%)
– Typical home value: $425,205 (#19 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#24. Troy, MI

– 1-year price change: +$14,473 (+3.8%)
– 5-year price change: +$102,290 (+34.5%)
– Typical home value: $398,962 (#26 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#23. Plymouth, MI

– 1-year price change: +$14,737 (+3.7%)
– 5-year price change: +$93,237 (+28.8%)
– Typical home value: $417,416 (#22 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#22. Grosse Pointe, MI

– 1-year price change: +$14,791 (+3.6%)
– 5-year price change: +$95,885 (+29.4%)
– Typical home value: $421,780 (#20 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#21. Rochester, MI

– 1-year price change: +$14,920 (+3.6%)
– 5-year price change: +$97,105 (+29.3%)
– Typical home value: $428,006 (#17 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#20. Brighton, MI

– 1-year price change: +$15,251 (+4.0%)
– 5-year price change: +$114,433 (+40.5%)
– Typical home value: $396,692 (#27 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#19. Beverly Hills, MI

– 1-year price change: +$15,273 (+3.2%)
– 5-year price change: +$124,013 (+33.1%)
– Typical home value: $498,631 (#10 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#18. New Baltimore, MI

– 1-year price change: +$15,646 (+5.1%)
– 5-year price change: +$97,678 (+42.9%)
– Typical home value: $325,238 (#56 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#17. Bingham Farms, MI

– 1-year price change: +$15,874 (+3.0%)
– 5-year price change: +$112,718 (+26.2%)
– Typical home value: $542,755 (#8 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#16. Armada, MI

– 1-year price change: +$16,325 (+5.3%)
– 5-year price change: +$94,247 (+40.9%)
– Typical home value: $324,606 (#57 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#15. Huntington Woods, MI

– 1-year price change: +$16,750 (+3.8%)
– 5-year price change: +$92,904 (+25.3%)
– Typical home value: $459,699 (#11 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#14. Hartland, MI

– 1-year price change: +$16,921 (+4.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$111,662 (+44.1%)
– Typical home value: $364,983 (#37 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#13. Grosse Ile, MI

– 1-year price change: +$16,963 (+4.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$98,873 (+37.2%)
– Typical home value: $364,319 (#39 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#12. Northville, MI

– 1-year price change: +$17,474 (+3.5%)
– 5-year price change: +$111,471 (+27.6%)
– Typical home value: $514,917 (#9 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#11. Romeo, MI

– 1-year price change: +$17,881 (+5.1%)
– 5-year price change: +$117,738 (+46.9%)
– Typical home value: $368,712 (#34 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#10. Grosse Pointe Park, MI

– 1-year price change: +$18,340 (+4.2%)
– 5-year price change: +$106,566 (+30.9%)
– Typical home value: $451,199 (#12 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#9. Sylvan Lake, MI

– 1-year price change: +$18,357 (+5.6%)
– 5-year price change: +$97,651 (+39.1%)
– Typical home value: $347,147 (#52 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#8. Rochester Hills, MI

– 1-year price change: +$18,622 (+4.7%)
– 5-year price change: +$115,928 (+38.8%)
– Typical home value: $414,975 (#23 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#7. Grosse Pointe Shores, MI

– 1-year price change: +$19,216 (+2.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$148,188 (+28.2%)
– Typical home value: $673,195 (#4 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#6. Dryden, MI

– 1-year price change: +$19,739 (+5.7%)
– 5-year price change: +$131,886 (+56.7%)
– Typical home value: $364,583 (#38 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#5. Pleasant Ridge, MI

– 1-year price change: +$20,170 (+4.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$102,722 (+31.2%)
– Typical home value: $432,483 (#16 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#4. Bloomfield Hills, MI

– 1-year price change: +$20,359 (+3.7%)
– 5-year price change: +$141,130 (+32.9%)
– Typical home value: $569,984 (#7 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#3. Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

– 1-year price change: +$21,042 (+4.9%)
– 5-year price change: +$101,815 (+29.5%)
– Typical home value: $446,877 (#14 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#2. Franklin, MI

– 1-year price change: +$24,390 (+3.3%)
– 5-year price change: +$207,207 (+37.4%)
– Typical home value: $760,959 (#3 most expensive city in metro)

Stacker

#1. Ray, MI

– 1-year price change: +$35,545 (+10.8%)
– 5-year price change: +$123,738 (+51.2%)
– Typical home value: $365,296 (#36 most expensive city in metro)

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Best Hot Chocolate Spots Near Dearborn to Keep You Warm and Cozy

Enjoying a cup of hot chocolate is a delightful family activity. Whether you prefer the warmth of cozy cafes or the prestige of renowned establishments, the businesses in and around Dearborn guarantee a rich and flavorful experience.

Mokaccino Cafe

• Address: 13348 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn

Elevating hot chocolate from a basic beverage to a heavenly indulgence, Mokaccino Cafe sets a new standard. Nestled in a cozy ambiance with inviting and comfortable seating, it becomes the ideal destination for a delightful family outing. Priced at just $4.99, this winter beverage at Mokaccino Cafe promises not only warmth but a taste experience that transcends the ordinary.

Qahwah House W Dearborn

• Address: 22000 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn 

Qahwah House’s hot chocolate in Dearborn is a delightful treat. The rich, velvety texture and perfect balance of sweetness make it a comforting indulgence. The addition of high-quality chocolate and the subtle undertones of spices create a unique flavor profile that sets it apart. The cozy ambiance of the hot chocolate venue enhances the overall experience, making it a must-try for hot chocolate enthusiasts.

Azal Coffee

• Address: 15010 W. Warren Ave., Suite 113

Azal Coffee spot is the ideal scent for a chilly winter night. As soon as you walk in, you notice the pleasant aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, combined with a soft chocolate smell that fills the space. Even if the hot chocolate is only produced with steamed milk and cocoa for $3.99, its flavor is everything.

Haraz Coffee House

• Address: 13810 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn

This coffee establishment creates an ambiance that invites you to pick up a book, anticipate the snowfall, and savor a cup of hot chocolate. Haraz Coffee House, located on Michigan Ave in Dearborn, stands out as a charming coffee destination. It’s an ideal place to unwind with the family after a leisurely day. Their 12-ounce hot chocolate is priced at $4, while the 16-ounce option is available for $5.

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Top Kid’s Birthday Party Places Near Ann Arbor to Make It a Special Day

Whether your child is all about laser tag or enjoys the thrill of arcade games, we’ve got the ultimate spots to make their birthday an absolute delight. Discover these fantastic kid’s birthday party venues in and around Ann Arbor for a day brimming with laughter, joy, and memories to treasure forever!

Pinball Pete’s

• Address: 1214 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor
• Cost: Call for pricing

This is a genuine arcade, housing games on two floors. Located in Ann Arbor, this venue features a mix of classic and modern arcade games, ensuring a nostalgic and fun time for visitors. Alongside pinball machines and video games, there are additional attractions such as pool tables, skee-ball and air hockey.

Breakout Escape Rooms

• Address: 3460 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
• Cost: $50 plus escape room ticket price

This Ann Arbor escape room location offers a variety of exciting experiences for older kids, with six escape options ranging from family-friendly pirate riddles to more adventurous challenges like zombie escapes. Birthday party packages that include different amenities like reserved party areas, decor, and even catering options are frequently offered by escape room locations. A great option for your preteens and teens.

Ann Arbor Hands On Museum

• Address: 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
• Cost: $375 for members, $450 for non-members

With a specially designed birthday package, enjoy an amazing birthday celebration at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Every celebration lasts for two and a half hours. Choose from a variety of themes that are appropriate for the age range of the partygoers. The festivities kick off with exclusive entry to the museum’s exhibits, guaranteeing a private and customized experience for the birthday VIP and their guests. 

Zap Zone

• Address: 4095 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti
• Cost: Packages start at $399

With its cutting-edge laser tag arena and an array of exciting activities, Zap Zone ensures a celebration that will have your child and their friends buzzing for weeks. Partake in an exclusive unlimited party tailored for children aged 5 and above, available at $399. This comprehensive package offers an exclusive one-hour booking of a private area for up to 10 guests. Immerse yourself in 90 minutes of boundless enjoyment with access to exhilarating first-floor attractions, including laser tag, bumper cars and more.

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How to Explore the Zoo with Kids This Winter

For many families, a trip to the Detroit Zoo is a summer staple, but if you’ve never visited in the winter, you’re missing out! With snow-covered trees, the Detroit Zoo is a beautiful sight to see in the cold months. Not only that, there are winter events, educational classes for kids and more.

Plus, getting outside in nature with the kids, even in the winter, is a proven cabin-fever buster mood lifter.

We’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to help you plan your chilly trip to the zoo.

Animals and exhibits

Has your summer visit to the zoo ever been met with sleepy or less active animals? Well, many animals – gray wolves, tigers, camels, polar bears and more – are actually more active in the winter, which makes for an engaging and action-packed visit.

And if you need a break from the cold, there are also plenty of active (and warm!) indoor exhibits to check out: the award-winning and recently re-opened Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the Holden Reptile Conservation Center, the National Amphibian Conservation Center and the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery.

Childhood education

The Detroit Zoo offers an array of year-round educational opportunities for children, including its Zoo Tots program for toddlers ages 2-4. Zoo Tots allows toddlers to learn about animals at the zoo through activities and crafts, while gaining social and exploration skills. Winter classes start on Jan. 20 and spring classes start on March 20.

On days when the cold is just too much for an outdoor venture, the wonder of the zoo is still at your fingertips. The Virtual Vitamin Z lessons provide engaging videos, lessons and activities covering a range of topics and animals, from Tokyo Salamanders to Mountain Chicken Frogs.

Winter event

Through Jan. 21, warm up while checking out the Environmental Impact II art exhibition. Located on the second floor of the zoo’s Ford Education Center, the traveling art exhibit recognizes, documents and shares the work of 19 contemporary artists who focus their work on environmental issues

Tips and tricks

Check out these insider tips to make sure your winter visit to the Detroit Zoo is a success.

Tip #1: Plan in advance. Indecision + Frigid Temperatures = No Fun! Use the Zoo Map to plan your trip in advance, including the route you will take, the exhibits you will see, etc. This way you can hit the ground running when you first arrive. The map also has important information about family restrooms, accessibility needs and charging stations.

Tip #2: Make sure the zoo is open. This one might seem obvious, but the zoo’s hours vary, so double check the hours before you make the trek!

Tip #3: Order food online. Especially if you’re visiting the zoo with young kids, ordering your food in advance can save you from idle waiting time where things can go awry. Check out the dining page to see which restaurants have a mobile order ahead option.

Tip #4: Rent a stroller or wagon. Even if your kids are old enough to walk on their own, a wagon could be helpful to carry some essentials during the winter: extra layers of winter clothes, blankets, hand-warmers, etc.

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Got 6 Minutes? Try These Quick Family Recipes

Hush, now, and I will let you in on a Momma Chef secret — when my kids were little, they ate *gasp* boxed mac and cheese. I mean, a LOT of boxed mac and cheese.

Sure, I (mostly) bought the all-natural, organic brands to balance out my guilt from the unnecessary ingredients they were putting in their little bodies by the bowl full. So I became obsessed with finding an easy way to make homemade mac and cheese and more.

No-boil Mac and Cheese

I wanted the kind of mac and cheese that almost brings you to tears because it is so rich and delish. After searching and testing and tweaking, I finally found my holy grail of no-boil baked mac and cheese. This recipe is so unbelievably easy that it actually makes the store-bought directions look difficult. Huzzah!

Our boxed mac and cheese days are over. Your kids will love to help make it, but you’ll need to be on hand to transfer the heavy dish in and out of the oven.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (regular or gluten-free)
• 4 cups 2 percent or whole milk
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
• 5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, add the macaroni, milk, salt, butter and 3 cups of the cheese, mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the mixture and cover with foil.
6. Bake covered for 35 minutes, then remove the foil, and bake uncovered 20 minutes more.

Crispy Cornflake Chicken

This is “Shake and Bake” à la Momma Chef. Kids love to help with the shaking step, but be sure to keep their hands — and your hands — extra clean around raw chicken. Our family prefers chicken breasts, but you can also try boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

My kids typically go for the classic dipping sauce: ketchup! I like to mix it up by adding a second dipping sauce for variety. A current favorite is 1⁄2 cup of mayonnaise, 1⁄4 cup of ketchup and a shake each of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and black pepper. Make the sauce ahead of time and chill it for several hours (or overnight!) in the refrigerator to maximize the flavor. Make this once and it will become a favorite in your weekly menu rotation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
• 4 cups crushed cornflakes (regular of gluten-free panko)
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
3. Pour the Italian dressing into a large bowl.
4. In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, add the crushed cornflakes and salt.
5. Dip each chicken breast in the Italian dressing, then put them in the zip-top bag.
6. Shake to coat all sides of the chicken with the cornflake mixture.
7. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, and bake uncovered for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F.

TIPS: If you prefer, in place of Italian dressing, use 2 eggs mixed with 1 Tbsp. of water. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, before baking, drizzle a bit of honey on the chicken. I suggest trying this with half of the chicken and seeing which one you like more.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Dill

This is my dad’s favorite soup and I love making it for him. He requests it for any and all occasions. After surgery, people sent him get-well cards and flowers. To me, he said, “Please bring over the soup.” Pulled tooth? “Karen, please bring over the soup.” Whenever I ask him how I can help on any given day, the answer is always “make the soup.” Listen to my dad—make the soup.

To keep the veggies “hidden” from the suspicious eyes of any anti-vegetarians, don’t forget to puree your final product. Invest in an immersion blender to avoid the hassle and mess of transferring your soup to a blender. Friend to friend, let me offer you a tried-and-true way to convince my little eaters to try new soups: give them a separate small bowl of tiny croutons to sprinkle on top. I’m not sure why adding their own toppings makes food more appealing to kids, but it works over here every time!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup dry green split peas
• 1 (8-ounce) bag baby carrots
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp. dried dill

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for 3 minutes.
2. Add the split peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth and dill, stir to combine.
4. Partially cover the pot and cook for 45 minutes until the peas are very tender.
5. Remove from the heat and puree the soup in batches in a blender, food processor or with an immersion blender until smooth.

Scrumptious Mandarin Orange Cake

Something that I learned in 2020 was that I definitely do not want to homeschool my kids. Ever. One silver lining was that my then 7-year-old son grew leaps and bounds as a mini-chef. At his request, we added “baking time with mom” into his morning schedule. Now, this was a class I loved teaching! We made a lot of Nutella-based recipes. One day, he wondered what we could do with a can of mandarin oranges. Skipping the Nutella trend, we created this cake. For budding cooks with a short attention span, the prep only took four minutes: It was finished before my oven preheated!

I would definitely give my son an A+ on his baking assignment. The cake was moist and delicious, and boy did it make our house smell terrific!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 (15- to 18-ounce) package yellow cake mix, regular or gluten-free
• 3 eggs
• 1⁄2 cup avocado or canola oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a 10-inch Bundt cake pan with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the mandarin oranges with their juices, and lightly fold them into the cake mixture until well blended.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or cake pan.
6. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool.

Karen Nochimowski is the mom behind MommaChef.com. All her are quick and easy made with six ingredients or less and take less than six minutes of prep time. Karen also started and runs Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen and Momma Chef’s Little Free Pantries in Chicago, which provides food at no cost. Her first cookbook, 6-Minute Dinners (& More!), is filled with simple and delicious recipes with six ingredients or less. Find it wherever books are sold. Follow her on Instagram @themommachef.

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Ice Skating Lessons in Macomb County

Do you have an aspiring hockey player or figure skater on your hands? Help your child learn the fundamentals of ice skating or increase their skating game with some ice skating lessons. These Macomb County spots offer Learn to Skate programs for kids as young as 3 — all the way up to adults — and allow skaters to learn and advance at their own pace. Some ice rinks even offer parent-tot classes and adaptive skating programs.

If you’re ready to enroll your child in ice skating lessons in Macomb County, read on for information.

Big Boy Arena (formerly known as Fraser Hockeyland)

• Address: 34400 Utica Road, Fraser
• Phone: 586-294-2400
• Cost of lessons: $108

Equipment needed: Helmets (bike or hockey) are required. Skaters should wear winter jackets, gloves, snow pants and skates. Skate rentals are available.

Big Boy Arena’s Learn to Skate program has a session going on right now on Mondays and Wednesdays for an hour-long practice. Skaters meet twice a week for three weeks. Snowplow Sam 1-4 for ages 5 and under, Basic levels 1-6 for ages 6-18 and Adult levels 1-6 for those older than age 18 are offered here.

Dodge Park Ice Rink

• Address: 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
• Phone: 586-446-2711
• Cost of lessons: $40/residents, $52/non-residents

Equipment needed: Free skate rental is included in each lesson for those who don’t have their own skates. Cold-weather gear is recommended, along with a helmet (bike or hockey).

These Learn to Skate sessions, which are taught by folks from the Big Boy Arena, run for 6 weeks and are open to kids ages 3-6, 7-15 and 16-plus. Times vary by class.

Mount Clemens Ice Arena

• Address: 200 N. Groesbeck Highway, Mount Clemens
• Phone: 586-307-8202
• Cost of lessons: $80-$120

Equipment needed: Those who don’t have their own skates can rent them for $3 per session. Helmets (hockey or bike) are required for kids ages 5 and under, but use your discretion for ages 6 and up. Snow pants, winter gloves and snow jackets are recommended for skaters.

Classes are offered year-round at the Mount Clemens Ice Arena. Skaters are evaluated in the first and then moved to the class that best suits their skill level. Most classes are 25 minutes long, except for hockey and freestyle, which run 50 minutes. Online registration is required for the 7- to 8-week sessions.

St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club

• Address: Civic Arena, 20000 Stephens Road, St. Clair Shores
• Phone: 586-445-5350
• Cost of lessons: $42-$112

Equipment needed: Helmets, along with mittens or gloves are required for children under age 6. Winter gear is recommended. Skate rentals are available for an extra cost.

This Learn to Skate Program is offered in 8-week sessions for tots all the way up to adults. An adaptive skating program is offered here, as well. To sign up for lessons, call St. Clair Shores Parks & Recreation at the phone number listed above. An annual basic skills membership fee, which is $17.25 on the Learn to Skate USA website, must be paid to participate in lessons.

Suburban Ice Macomb

• Address: 54755 Broughton Road, Macomb
• Phone: 586-992-8600
• Cost of lessons: $110-$160 depending on the class

Equipment needed: Helmets (bike or hockey) are recommended for all ages. Skate rentals available for $4 for those who don’t own skates. Snow pants, gloves and cold-weather gear are recommended.

The Suburban Skating School is one of the largest Learn to Skate programs in the United States with more than 4,000 participants. It boasts lessons for ages 3-adult — and even offers a parent-tot class. Winter session No. 1 is approaching quickly (Jan. 7-Feb. 15), so you’ll want to register for that one as soon as possible! There’s also plenty of time to register for Winter 2 (Feb. 25-April 11) and Spring 1 (April 14-May 23) sessions.

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County

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Enjoy Downtown Armada in Macomb County

If you’re looking to go somewhere charming and quaint, head to downtown Armada where you can get away from the hustle and bustle.

Located in rural, northern Macomb County, the Village of Armada has some really great food stops and unique shops to check out while you’re in the area. Whether you’re heading to Blake’s for the day and want to pop in for a bite to eat or you’re looking to go shopping and spend the day in a new area, you’ll want to stop in Armada to explore for a bit.

Dine

Armada Bar and Grille

• Address: 23084 E. Main St., Armada

This restaurant is veteran- and locally-owned. Some menu favorites include the Buffalo Burger, Atlantic Salmon, Beer Battered Cod, Armada Club and more. Be sure to follow on Facebook to find out about specials and events.

Papa’s Restaurant

• Address: 23056 E. Main St., Armada

Stop in for breakfast (which is served all day, unless specified on their menu), brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks. This cute spot offers lattes, coffees, espressos, hot teas and hot chocolates with whipped cream.

The Creamery on Main

Photo credit: Kari Zaffarano

• Address: 23090 E. Main St., Armada

This local ice cream spot features a large variety of Michigan’s own Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream flavors, loaded shakes, sundaes, ice cream flights and more.

Tiger’s Den Café

• Address: 23051 E. Main St., Armada

Stop in for a coffee, tea, specialty coffee, frap, smoothie or refresher. They also have a wide variety of sandwiches and a kid’s menu which includes PB&J, grilled cheese, chicken quesadilla, cheese quesadilla and a pretzel with cheese.

Tivoli’s Pizzeria

• Address: 23071 E. Main St., Armada

This is a family-owned restaurant, which has other locations in Richmond and Utica. Try their Chicago-style, deep dish or round pizzas. Their menu also features breadsticks, pastas, pitas, subs and desserts.

Shop 

Achatz Handmade Pie Company

Photo credit: Achatz Pies

• Address: 75700 N. Ave., Armada

This bakery features some really great pie flavors, including Michigan 4-Berry, Dutch Apple, Key Lime, Chocolate Cream, French Silk and much more. They also have sugar-free options and other baked goods such as cakes, cookies and lemon bars.

Armade in MI

• Address: 23009 E. Main St., Armada

This curated marketplace is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. It sells handcrafted treasures and locally-sourced items from the heart of Armada. Try Cosmic Frandy, freeze-dried fruit and candy and fudge from The Armada Fudge Company.

Squirreled Away Books

• Address: 22985 W. Main St., Armada

Shop new and used books, audio books, rare books, toys, games, comics and more at this independent book store. They will accept donations of books, but they do not buy back books. They do, however, offer appraisals of books on Tuesdays only (make sure to call ahead for availability).

Explore

April Millsap Memorial Garden

• Address: 73192 Fulton St., Armada

This floral garden, which is a half a mile south of Main Street, is a peaceful place to check out while you’re in downtown Armada. It is located alongside the Macomb Orchard Trail.

Armada Free Public Library

• Address: 73930 Church St., Armada

Although books are the main focus at the library, they also have different events for you to check out including story hours, teen programs, book discussions and more.

Macomb Orchard Trail

The 24-mile path runs through Armada, Richmond, Romeo and Shelby Township. It is great for biking, walking, running, rollerblading, cross-country skiing and it is wheelchair accessible. There are restrooms and benches along the way. Use their interactive map while you’re on it.

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County

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Best Indoor Play Places for Kids in Metro Detroit

When the weather isn’t cooperative and your kids are bored at home, indoor play places come to the rescue! Kids of all ages can enjoy some indoor fun at these metro Detroit attractions.

Whether you have tots or tweens, there’s a variety of indoor playgrounds designed to keep your little ones grinning from ear to ear. These places aren’t just about play; some also throw awesome birthday bashes, and a few even host cool classes.

We’ve rounded up the coolest indoor play places in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties that are sure to make the whole family happy.

Macomb County

Photo credit: CJ Barrymore’s Family Entertainment Center

Macomb County kiddos can get their play on at these indoor spots that offer family-friendly fun for all ages.

Related: Best Indoor Play Places in Sterling Heights

Bounce House

• Address: 39080 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights 

Seven bounce houses, including a large slide and obstacle course, are available. Also, an arcade filled with fun, free games for kids and adults.

C.J. Barrymore’s Sports & Entertainment 

• Address: 21750 Hall Road, Clinton Township

This sports park has it all! There are many attractions to fulfill every child’s need for speed. These include the drop tower, saddle sling, spinning coaster, golf dome, laser tag, bowling alley, arcade, and many racing tracks.

Dueling Darts

• Address: 35490 Groesbeck Hwy., Clinton Township

Rival blasters used to play flag wars, tag, humans vs. zombies and more. They provide blasters and safety goggles. For ages 7 and up.

Jungle Java

• Address: 44595 Enterprise Drive, Clinton Township

Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub.

Play Big 

• Address: Lakeside Mall, 14600 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights

Bring your kids out to Lakeside Mall to enjoy 10,000 square-foot of inflatable fun and play the latest and greatest arcade games. There is a giant pool table with soccer balls for the pool balls, along with cornhole and other interactive games. This spot is great for birthday parties, too.

Pump It Up 

• Locations: 15117 Commercial Drive, Shelby Township and 28373 Beck Road, Unit H, Wixom

Giant indoor inflatables and imagination collide as kids participate in pop-in play times, birthday parties, camps and more.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

• Locations: 42550 Executive Drive, Canton and 50810 Sabrina Drive, Shelby Township 

Discover a trampoline park with activities like basketball dunk court, 3-D Dodgeball, fitness classes, Toddler Time and open jump.

Top Flight Trampoline & Game Park

• Address: 44855 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights

Push your physical limits and have fun doing it at this adventure park. Kids can enjoy trampolines, dodgeball, arcade games and more.

Urban Air Trampoline Park

• Address: 12050 Hall Road, Sterling Heights 

This trampoline park is complete with dodgeball courts, a foam pit, the Slam Dunk zone and more. Attractions vary by park.

Oakland County

Photo credit: DEFY Detroit

Kids in Oakland County will definitely have a blast at these thrilling indoor play destinations.

Related: Best Indoor Play Places in Rochester Hills

Bloomfield Gymnastics  

• Address: 2124 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills

Kids ages 6 and up can swing by this gymnastics spot during open gym time on Tuesdays and Saturdays to have some topsy-turvy fun.

Boogie Babies

• Address: 1928 Star Batt Drive, Suite B, Rochester Hills

Combine education and fun into one. Make a reservation for slot-racing, puppet-magic and playground-play. Ask about party packages.

Escape  

• Address: 1950 E. Square Lake Road, Troy

This Oakland County spot offers 22 traditional bowling lanes, eight VIP suite bowling lanes, a 2,300-square-foot arcade, a two-level laser tag arena and much more. Book your next party or drop in during their open hours.

Fascination Factory

• Address: 2295 E. Lincoln St., Suite 150, Birmingham

This children’s education concept center features sustainable S.T.E.A.M.-focused toys and rotates stations so there are new activities for your kids to enjoy all the time, ensuring they never get bored! Recommended for ages 10 and under.

The Fairytale Fun Place

• Address: 7127 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston

This play place features an indoor playground, pizza café and private party rooms. There’s also a performance stage that features live interactive entertainment. This place is ideal for kid’s birthday parties.

Jungle Java

• Address: 27658 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills 

Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub.

Launch Entertainment and Trampoline Park

• Address: 44255 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi

Enjoy basketball, dodgeball, a launch pad, cliffhanger and more on wall-to-wall trampolines. There’s also an arcade where you can win tickets and trade them in for prizes.

Legacy 925 

• Address: 925 N. Lapeer Road, Oxford

Kids, teens and even parents will find something they love at Legacy 925, which offers everything from bowling and football bowling to go-karts, laser tag and a trampoline park. There’s also an arcade, live music and even a kid-friendly bar.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

• Address: 4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills 

Located inside Great Lakes Crossing. Unlock your kids’ creativity with Lego build and play zones, a 4-D theater, two rides and more.

Nature’s Playhouse  

• Address: 777 Livernois, Ferndale

This all-natural play and wellness center offers drop-in play and fitness classes for ages 0-6. Plus, free support groups for parents on topics like baby-wearing, infant massage and birth recovery.

Paradise Park 

• Address: 45799 Grand River Ave., Novi

The ultimate paradise for all ages! Engage in the interactive laser tag maze, go-karts, a huge mini golf course, trampolines and a climbing wall. Enjoy indoor and outdoor amenities that are all handicap accessible.

Peppa Pig World of Play 

• Address: 4362 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills 

Located inside Great Lakes Crossing. Kids get to explore the world of Peppa Pig including George’s Fort, Grandad Dog’s Garage, Miss Rabbit’s Supermarket and Peppa’s TreeHouse. Offers birthday parties, too.

Pump It Up 

• Address: 1720 Opdyke Court, Auburn Hills

Giant indoor inflatables and imagination collide as kids participate in pop-in play times, birthday parties, camps and more.

Rochester Play!

• Address: 380 E. Second St., Rochester

This eco-friendly play center has a custom-built climbing structure with a northern Michigan theme and a smaller play structure for toddlers. Their cafe serves nutritious treats. 

Safari Playground

• Address: 700 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake

Check out the arcade along with Skeeball and bowling at this Safari-themed adventure spot.

SkyZone Trampoline Park

• Address: 2737 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township

There are plenty of attractions that make this trampoline park unique. There’s a zip line, battle beams, extreme dodgeball, trapeze and aerial silks, ninja course and much more.

Under the Sea Playground 

• Address: 78 W. Maple Road, Troy

Come check out the interactive floor system that features a designated area for toddlers ages 1-3 and a central play structure for ages 5-12. Also, has a full service café and free Wi-Fi.

Urban Air Trampoline Park

• Address: 925 N. Lapeer Road, Oxford

This trampoline park is complete with dodgeball courts, a foam pit, the Slam Dunk zone and more. Attractions vary by park.

Washtenaw County

Photo credit: 2|42 Community Center – Ann Arbor

Kids in Ann Arbor and surrounding Washtenaw county can get their play on at these exciting indoor play places.

Related: Best Indoor Play Places in Ann Arbor

2|42 Community Center – Ann Arbor

• Address: 648 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor

Do you know what’s better than an indoor play space? One that’s free! That’s right, 2|42 Community Church offers a free kid-friendly play area that’s open to the public. Inside, you’ll find a playground, climbing area, toddler area and more.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

• Address: 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor

This children’s museum always provides an interactive space where kids can play and learn. The museum has 10 exhibits. These exhibits include the STEAM Park and All About You gallery.

Chelsea TreeHouse 

• Address: 1101 S. Main St., Chelsea

This large play area includes climbing structures, slides, a designated area for littles, bridges and a tree house.

Extreme Fun

• Address: 462 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor

Located inside Briarwood Mall, kids will find a bounce house wonderland. It’s not just inflatables! Spend time at the toddler playground, kiddo rides, build a teddy bear or jump on the train. Parents have access to comfortable seats and Wi-Fi, too.

Fowling Warehouse Ypsi Ann Arbor

• Address: 3050 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti

Play a mashup of bowling and football at this Fowling Warehouse. Book a party or drop in on this spot’s open play. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play.

Launch Ann Arbor

• Address:  800 Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor

Bring the kids to this spot, which features basketball, dodgeball, battle pit, trampoline courts, launch pad, cliffhanger and more. Also, play at the arcade where you can win tickets and trade them in for prizes.

Wayne County

Photo credit: Kidcadia

These fun-tastic indoor spots prove that Wayne county kids really know how to play!

Related: Best Indoor Play Places Near Dearborn

AirTime Trampoline & Game Park

• Address: 36901 Warren Road, Westland

Music and movement merge at this local chain full of bouncing fun. Open jumps available.

Dinoland 

• Address: 26450 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights

This dinosaur-themed playscape offers a jungle gym with slides and other obstacles, plus a soft-play area for babies and toddlers. Stop by during the day or plan your next party. 

Fowling Warehouse Hamtramck 

• Address: 3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck

Check out Michigan’s first Fowling Warehouse at this location. Book a party or drop in on this spot’s open play to try your hand at the football-meets-bowling game of fowling. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play.

Jungle Java

• Address: 6481 Canton Center Road, Canton

Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub.

Kidcadia Play Cafe

• Address: 13939 Michigan Ave., Dearborn

Check out this play space with multi-level, soft-play climbing structures. There’s also an area for little ones, a Lite-Brite, light gallery, coloring corner and sensory boards.

Mandee’s Funtastic Play Center 

• Address: 20372 Van Horn Road, Woodhaven

This “soft play” facility offers a two-story padded playscape for kids to enjoy. Families can also enjoy a small meal or snack at the cafe.

Rev’d Up Fun

• Address: 19830 West Road, Woodhaven

This amusement center has a game zone, ropes course, laser tag, bumper cars, axe-throwing and much more.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

• Address: 42550 Executive Drive, Canton

Discover a trampoline park with activities like basketball dunk court, 3-D Dodgeball, fitness classes, Toddler Time and open jump.

Stemville

• Address: 141 N. Center St. #201, Northville

Explore loads of STEM toys and hands-on learning at this play place. Check their website for summer camps, school field trips and birthday party information.

The Ninja’s Edge Training Center  

• Address: 45677 Helm St., Plymouth

Offers challenging obstacles out of American Ninja Warrior, including Devil Steps, Wing Nuts and Double Salmon Ladder. Take them on and see if you have what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior.

Urban Air Trampoline Park

• Address: 30090 Plymouth Road, Livonia

This trampoline park is complete with dodgeball courts, a foam pit, the Slam Dunk zone and more. Attractions vary by park.

Yoyo’s Fun Center

• Address: 8044 N. Middlebelt Road, Westland

The play area has jungle gyms, ball pits and trampolines. There’s also a pottery painting room. Also, birthday parties, too.

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